Transport unions across various regions are warning of potential walkouts as disputes over pay and working conditions intensify. In Northern Ireland, members of the Unite, GMB, and Siptu unions, employed by public transport company Translink, have initiated multiple 24-hour strikes, demanding cost-of-living pay increases. The unions have vowed to continue their industrial action until the dispute is resolved, with services halted for the fourth time in December alone. Translink has apologized to passengers for the inconvenience caused by the ongoing strikes.
In Australia, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) and other unions representing rail workers in New South Wales have engaged in industrial action, including work stoppages and reduced services, in response to a pay dispute. The unions are seeking improved pay and conditions, citing the rising cost of living and the essential nature of their work. The New South Wales government has expressed concerns over the economic impact of the strikes and is exploring legal avenues to resolve the situation.
In the United Kingdom, train drivers represented by the Aslef union have announced a series of strikes over a pay dispute. The union has rejected the latest pay offers, considering them inadequate, and has vowed to continue industrial action until its demands are met. The strikes are expected to cause significant disruptions to train services, affecting commuters across the country.
These developments highlight the growing unrest among transport workers globally, as they demand fair compensation and improved working conditions. The ongoing disputes underscore the challenges faced by public transport systems and the need for governments and employers to address the concerns of frontline workers to ensure the continued operation of essential services.
